Blazingcatfur

Well, thank G-d that’s over.

Alberta’s meta-referendum on whether to hold a referendum on separation suffered a predictable defeat. Forget actual separation, a clear majority—about three-quarters—of Albertans don’t even want to be asked the question. Now we see what happens next.

Of course, the actual number of Albertans who want to be an independent country is much less than around a quarter. Of those who voted for Option 2, some want full independence, a smaller number want to shift dependence to the United States, and most don’t want either but were happy to whack the smug Laurentians with the only stick at hand. It’s an understandable temptation.

In a province-wide address on Tuesday evening, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith vowed not to hold another referendum on the secession issue, while also urging separatist voters to “believe and hope in Canada again” following Monday’s referendum results.

In her first public remarks since referendum polls closed, the premier again sought to elevate the various deals and major projects her government has signed with Prime Minister Mark Carney in an effort to mend Alberta’s fractured relationship with Ottawa. Her comments came one day after Albertans voted with a decisive three-to-one margin to reject a proposal to hold a second legally-binding vote on whether to leave Confederation.

After what felt like an interminable campaign lasting five months, a quarter of Albertans rejected the status quo by selecting Option 2 on Question 10 in a referendum. Some chose with the intention of sending a message or warning to Ottawa. Others (like me) wanted to truly begin down the path to full provincial independence.